dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaA mathematical model for top-shelf vertigo: the role of sedimenting otoconia in BPPV
| Authors | Todd M. Squires, Michael S. Weidman, Timothy C. Hain, Howard A. Stone |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0305100 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0305100 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.12.014 |
| Journal | J. Biomech. 37 (2004)1137 --1146 |
Abstract
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a mechanical disorder of the vestibular system in which calcite particles called otoconia interfere with the mechanical functioning of the fluid-filled semicircular canals normally used to sense rotation. Using hydrodynamic models, we examine the two mechanisms proposed by the medical community for BPPV: cupulolithiasis, in which otoconia attach directly to the cupula (a sensory membrane), and canalithiasis, in which otoconia settle through the canals and exert a fluid pressure across the cupula. We utilize known hydrodynamic calculations and make reasonable geometric and physical approximations to derive an expression for the transcupular pressure $\Delta P_c$ exerted by a settling solid particle in canalithiasis. By tracking settling otoconia in a two-dimensional model geometry, the cupular volume displacement and associated eye response (nystagmus) can be calculated quantitatively. Several important features emerge: 1) A pressure amplification occurs as otoconia enter a narrowing duct; 2) An average-sized otoconium requires approximately five seconds to settle through the wide ampulla, where $\Delta P_c$ is not amplified, which suggests a mechanism for the observed latency of BPPV; and 3) An average-sized otoconium beginning below the center of the cupula can cause a volumetric cupular displacement on the order of 30 pL, with nystagmus of order $2^\circ$/s, which is approximately the threshold for sensation. Larger cupular volume displacement and nystagmus could result from larger and/or multiple otoconia.
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"abstract": "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a mechanical disorder of the\nvestibular system in which calcite particles called otoconia interfere with the\nmechanical functioning of the fluid-filled semicircular canals normally used to\nsense rotation. Using hydrodynamic models, we examine the two mechanisms\nproposed by the medical community for BPPV: cupulolithiasis, in which otoconia\nattach directly to the cupula (a sensory membrane), and canalithiasis, in which\notoconia settle through the canals and exert a fluid pressure across the\ncupula. We utilize known hydrodynamic calculations and make reasonable\ngeometric and physical approximations to derive an expression for the\ntranscupular pressure $\\Delta P_c$ exerted by a settling solid particle in\ncanalithiasis. By tracking settling otoconia in a two-dimensional model\ngeometry, the cupular volume displacement and associated eye response\n(nystagmus) can be calculated quantitatively. Several important features\nemerge: 1) A pressure amplification occurs as otoconia enter a narrowing duct;\n2) An average-sized otoconium requires approximately five seconds to settle\nthrough the wide ampulla, where $\\Delta P_c$ is not amplified, which suggests a\nmechanism for the observed latency of BPPV; and 3) An average-sized otoconium\nbeginning below the center of the cupula can cause a volumetric cupular\ndisplacement on the order of 30 pL, with nystagmus of order $2^\\circ$/s, which\nis approximately the threshold for sensation. Larger cupular volume\ndisplacement and nystagmus could result from larger and/or multiple otoconia.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0305100",
"authors": [
"Todd M. Squires",
"Michael S. Weidman",
"Timothy C. Hain",
"Howard A. Stone"
],
"categories": [
"physics.flu-dyn",
"physics.med-ph",
"q-bio"
],
"doi": "10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.12.014",
"journal_ref": "J. Biomech. 37 (2004)1137 --1146",
"title": "A mathematical model for top-shelf vertigo: the role of sedimenting otoconia in BPPV",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0305100"
},
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